Trying to catch Rep Lora Reinbold to interview for a story is a challenge. But pinning her down on the issues is a snap. She is outspoken on many issues, voting on principle, while some other elected officials play it safe. Reinbold voted against the crime omnibus bill SB 91.

On one recent occasion, the family of a woman murdered in September of 2014 appealed to Rep. Reinbold for help given weakening of the law by SB 91. Eagle River resident David Joseph Thomas, 28, reportedly faced first- and second-degree murder charges--each of which carries a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison--for admitting to strangling their daughter, Linda Anne Martz Bower.

Legislative attempts to address increasing crime rates, the State budget, and voting to cap the Permanent Fund Dividend payment to Alaskans for the second time, were some of the topics District 14 (Chugiak/Birchwood) Rep. Dan Saddler welcomed talking about recently in an exclusive interview with The Echo News. All legislators will soon be heading back to Juneau for Gov. Bill Walker’s 4th Special Session during this, the 30th Session of the Alaska Legislature. Buckle up, Kids, we are in for a ride.